Keeshkeemaquah

Located at Portage la Prairie, and spearheaded by Ted Daniels and others of the Arrowhead Development Corporation, the Keeshkeemaquah Conference and Gaming Centre is expanding rapidly. In addition to the existing buildings (top photo), a large new centre is under construction (second photo).

Keeshkeemaquah was a reknowned and long-serving Chief at Long Plains, being chief for 39 years from 1876 to 1915. In front of the centre is a statue of Keeshkeemaquah sculpted by Jake Goertzen of Winkler (bottom photo).

Inside, Ted Daniels and I stand in front of a Sasquatch, also created by Jake Goertzen (third photo from top).

Garda Moran and the Portage Friendship Centre

While I was in Portage la Prairie earlier today, I dropped in to visit the Portage Friendship Centre. This is a centre where a lot of good work is done - and many young people are given a really positive start in life. Keep up your good work Garda, Doretta and everyone else at the Centre.

Garry McLean - Liberal candidate in Portage-Lisgar

I first met Garry McLean about a decade ago when he helped me in my election campaigns in the 1990s. Today, I went to the official opening of Garry's campaign office in Portage la Prairie.

One thing I know, Garry is used to getting up early. For quite a while he was a regular at our 7:30 a.m. "Breakfasts at the Legislature". He was always ready to ask good questions and he was always on top of recent political developments.

Over the years, Garry has worked in a variety of small and larger businesses, including being involved in international trading efforts. He is one of today's generation of aboriginal entrepreneurs, and he brings alongside his knowledge of business, a keen sense of concern for people.

Somalia - A Ray of Hope

Muuxi Adam, a 19 year old refugee from Somalia, arrived in Canada and in Winnipeg only a little over a year ago. Yesterday was the Film Premiere of Ray of Hope - Fallaar Ilays, a film in which Muuxi Adam and others in the Somalia community tell the story of the challenges and opportunities faced by new immigrants to Winnipeg.

The film, in which Muuxi Adam acts as one of the lead characters, provides insight into the culture and the efforts of members of the Somalia community in Winnipeg. It is a moving story which faces head on the challenge of adjusting to life in Winnipeg. It also shows the positive impact of people like Muuxi and other members of his community.

Congratulations to Muuxi Adam (shown in the above photo with me), and to all those who made this film possible.

A Holiday Reception

Yesterday, at the Crescentwood Community Club, Naomi and I, with the help of my staff, hosted our Holiday Reception (top photo). It was an opportunity to say thank you to people in River Heights and to others who have helped me in my position as a Member of the Legislature.

I have a big thank you to my wife, Naomi, and to Leah Ross, Craig Loewen and Shane Sadorski who work with me in the Legislature and in River Heights (see lower photo). Shane's wife Catharine also joined us for the photo and helped at the reception. Thank you also to the many volunteers who put in so much time to make the afternoon such a success.

Mike Birch - Helping people at Christmas

Four years ago, Mike Birch delivered a Christmas hamper to a family who needed it. He saw how important it was, and what a difference it made. This year, he and many others, have put in hours and hours of work to assemble and deliver hampers to people in our aboriginal community who need support at Christmas. I was out to help as well. In the photo, Mike is helping to load a hamper into my car for me to deliver.

Good luck Tina Keeper

Friday evening, I was at a reception to help Tina Keeper with her campaign to become the next Member of Parliament in the federal riding of Churchill in northern Manitoba. This is a big career change for Tina, to get into politics, and there were lots of family and friends present and ready to help her.

I had a chance to talk with Tina about Jordan and Jordan's principle (see: http://www.manitobaliberals.ca/2005/12/jordans-principle-putting-interests-of.html), and making sure the interests of children are put first. Tina is a strong supporter of children and I am sure with her as the Member of Parliament she will be a very effective advocate to bring improvements for people in northern Manitoba.

Good luck Tina!